2D Projection with Masking
2D projection with masking can be as straightforward as pointing a projector at a wall (or a side of a building) and projecting an image. This type of projection typically does not take into account any of the angles, depths or openings on projection surface, and the resulting image will be flat. While it is possible to create a “mask” in the content that “blacks out” areas where you don’t want to see the video displayed (like on windows, edges, or door openings), the overall image is still two dimensional. While on occasion this is sufficient for the project (or this may be driven by budget, so there won’t be a choice), most times it will not be the best approach. That’s where 3D projection mapping becomes the solution.
3D Projection Mapping
3D projection mapping involves geometry. When the content to be displayed is created, the geometry of the surface is built into the content via the creation of a 3D model, and then the visual media is wrapped onto the mesh of the 3D object. Then when this content is projected, the resulting projection will effectively be wrapped onto the object (the building, for instance) and the images will have the proper perspective as they move around the surface, in and out of windows and doors, around corners, etc. This type of content will likely be created using a combination of several applications, including applications like 3DS Max, Cinema4D and/or Adobe’s After Effects.
There are budgetary and time-related reasons for determining the clients’ expectations before you commit to 3D projection mapping though, including:
Content Creation: The content creator has to determine exactly how to give the client what they are expecting as well as provide a reasonable estimate of the time needed to create the content. Since 3D content that is created for projection is far more sophisticated than flat 2D content, it will take longer to create. 3D models have to be created of the object first before any images can be created, and the rendering time for creating 3D mesh-wrapped media can be lengthy. Most professional content creators utilize rendering farms to help reduce the time needed to create this type of content, but it can still take many hours of rendering time for even a minor change in the image. Therefore, content development has to include months of planning and creation time ahead of the event. While content for 2D projection does have to be planned and created ahead of time, creating 2D media tends to move a little faster and wouldn’t necessarily require the same amount of pre-production.
Equipment: Knowing the expectations of the client also helps determine the proper amount of gear that you will need to provide to complete the project, which is, of course, another big consideration when estimating the costs involved. For most 3D projection applications, multiple projection angles may be involved, and this means multiple stacks of projectors as well as all of the supporting gear like convertors, scalers, etc., might be necessary too. And, while it doesn’t have to be, the video playback equipment may also be different, depending on the preference of the designer and operator. All of these details need to be hammered out early in the discussion, because once the content creation has begun, it usually isn’t possible to switch any of the video playback or projection gear without risking issues with the playback of the content.
Do all clients want 3D mapping for a 2D price? While I can’t definitively answer this, my gut says “yes.” But that does not always mean the project needs it. It’s best to ask a million questions about the project during the conceptual phase so that you can make the best decision possible. Ultimately, of course, if the client says they want it but can’t afford it, you have to figure out how to meet their expectations without sending them over the financial cliff. Luckily we have a few affordable video mapping capable media servers on the market that can often be implemented into the plan, and they will deliver highly professional and effective results without necessarily having to break the bank. (ArKaos’ MediaMaster, Avolites Media’s Ai and coolux’s Pandora’s Box are three examples.)
Obviously, if the budget allows, and you have the pre-production time available, then you will probably choose to go down the 3D object and content rendering path. This is definitely a very professional and steadfast approach. But when you don’t have the luxury of enough time or enough money, then exploring these and other types of media servers may just be the way you can deliver champagne on a beer budget.
